Ratty isn't your everyday terminal emulator. While the Linux ecosystem offers plenty of solid options like Kitty or GNOME Terminal, Ratty takes a radically different approach by blending a traditional command-line interface with advanced 3D graphics. Built in Rust and powered by the Bevy game engine, Ratty is GPU-rendered, supports inline 3D objects, and even lets you warp your terminal output into a Mobius strip. It draws inspiration from TempleOS for its retro aesthetic while pushing the boundaries of what a terminal can do. Below, we answer common questions about this experimental and undeniably fun project.
What is Ratty and how does it differ from traditional terminal emulators?
Ratty is a modern terminal emulator written in Rust that merges the functionality of a standard terminal with real-time 3D rendering capabilities. Unlike traditional terminals that rely on CPU-based rendering for text, Ratty leverages the GPU for smooth, hardware-accelerated output. This allows it to display animated 3D objects, support a 3D mode that warps the terminal window, and even anchor 3D models directly to text cells. While most terminals stick to a simple block or line cursor, Ratty provides a customizable 3D cursor—by default, a spinning rat. This shift from static to dynamic visuals redefines the command-line experience. However, it's important to note that Ratty is still experimental and isn't intended to replace daily-driver terminals for everyone.
What makes the rat cursor so unusual?
The rat cursor in Ratty is a fully 3D-rendered object that rotates continuously. Unlike a traditional terminal cursor (a blinking block or underline), this rat follows your text input and moves along with it. It's created using the Bevy game engine and the Ratatui terminal UI library, demonstrating tight integration between a game engine and a terminal emulator. You can even customize the cursor to display other 3D objects, making it a fun way to personalize your workflow. While it may seem absurd, it showcases the technical feat of rendering a 3D model in real-time within a terminal environment without sacrificing responsiveness.
How does Ratty's 3D Mode work, and how can users access it?
Ratty's 3D Mode transforms the entire terminal window into a canvas inside a 3D scene. You can pull, warp, and view your terminal output from different angles. To activate it, press Ctrl+Alt+Enter. Additionally, a "Mobius mode" (Ctrl+Alt+M) twists the terminal output into a continuous Mobius strip, bending text along a curved surface. While in 3D Mode, you can adjust the warp level using Super+Ctrl+Alt+Up (increase) and Super+Ctrl+Alt+Down (decrease). These features rely on the Bevy game engine to manipulate the geometry of the terminal view, offering a playful way to visualize text. It's not practical for daily work but highlights the technical creativity behind Ratty.
Can users insert 3D models directly into terminal output? How?
Yes, Ratty supports inline 3D objects through its custom Ratty Graphics Protocol. Developers can register 3D assets and anchor them to specific text cells in the terminal. Because the models are cell-anchored, they move seamlessly as text scrolls or changes position. For example, you could have a 3D cube appear next to a line of code. The protocol handles communication between the terminal data and the Bevy engine, ensuring synchronization. This opens up possibilities for interactive documentation, games, or data visualization inside the terminal. While still niche, it demonstrates how Ratty breaks the traditional text-only barrier.
What role does the Bevy game engine play in Ratty?
Bevy is an open-source game engine written in Rust, and it serves as the graphical backbone of Ratty. It handles all 3D rendering, including the rotating rat cursor, 3D Mode warping, and inline model display. Bevy's real-time rendering pipeline allows Ratty to process 3D scenes at high frame rates without lag. The engine also manages input events for keyboard shortcuts used in 3D and Mobius modes. By embedding a game engine into a terminal emulator, Ratty blurs the line between productivity tools and interactive experiences. This combination is what makes Ratty so unique—it's a terminal that can also function as a lightweight 3D viewer.
How does Ratty handle image display?
Ratty includes built-in image support that leverages the Kitty Graphics Protocol. This allows users to display raster images (like PNGs or JPEGs) directly inside the terminal window, similar to the Kitty terminal emulator. Images appear inline with text and can be rendered using the GPU for smooth scaling. Combined with its 3D capabilities, Ratty becomes a versatile tool for viewing both 2D and 3D content without leaving the command line. While this feature isn't unique to Ratty, it adds to the terminal's multimedia functionality.
Is Ratty practical for everyday use or just a novelty?
Ratty is currently experimental and more of a proof-of-concept than a daily driver. While it supports standard terminal functions (text editing, command execution, etc.), its core strengths—3D cursors, warped screens, and inline models—are novelty features that distract from typical workflows. The performance is good thanks to GPU rendering, but the interface may be too unconventional for serious work. Think of Ratty as a playground for developers interested in pushing terminal boundaries. For everyday tasks, you'll likely stick with more conventional emulators, but Ratty is undeniably fun for exploration and inspiration.
How does Ratty's design take inspiration from TempleOS?
Ratty's visual aesthetic draws from TempleOS, the operating system created by the late Terry Davis. TempleOS featured a retro, low-resolution graphical interface with a distinctive 640x480 display and a heavy focus on simplicity and spirituality. Ratty adopts this retro look, using pixelated fonts and a limited color palette that evokes a nostalgic feel. However, under the hood, Ratty is thoroughly modern—GPU-accelerated, written in Rust, and built on a game engine. The combination of retro styling with cutting-edge technology makes Ratty a fascinating homage that is both absurd and technically impressive.